Skopje, 24 July 2025 (MIA) – VMRO-DPMNE leader and Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, speaking at a rally in Kichevo on Thursday evening, welcomed the adoption of laws increasing pensions by Mden 2,000 and providing student vouchers worth Mden 15,300.

"Before I begin my speech, I want to share two positive developments finalized today in the Macedonian Parliament. The law was passed granting all undergraduate students in the country for the 2025–26 academic year a tablet, laptop, or computer, support for every young person. The second is a new, additional linear increase in pensions for retirees, exactly as they demanded. This is how we show love for Macedonia," said Prime Minister Mickoski.

While the opposition spreads slander, and works against the state, he added, "we are building, contributing, and fighting for all citizens."

Addressing the citizens of Kichevo, Mickoski said he was honored to be in a city that has given so much to the country, a city of tradition, a fighting spirit, and people who know the value of dignity, honor, and righteousness.

He underlined that during its first year in office, the Government focused on establishing solid foundations to enable a forward-looking agenda.

"Our first year was about setting the groundwork. Before we can build the future, we must first correct what was wrongly laid. We have strengthened institutions, restored the rule of law, and stabilized the country’s economic trajectory. We brought order to the chaos left behind. We began reinvesting in the system itself, not into party interests. We focused on people: students, farmers, workers, youth, and pensioners. On those who need it most. And I can assure you, we’re just getting started," stated Mickoski.

“In 2025, as previously shown, Mden 38 billion have been secured for education, the largest educational investment and budget to date. This is a clear signal that the future of Macedonia lies in knowledge,” Mickoski stressed.

He also underlined the significance of economic growth and investment.

“We are not stopping here. We understand that a stable country cannot exist without economic development. That is why we have opened the doors to both domestic and foreign investment. Every day, we speak with investors, open new factories, and create jobs. We support farmers, the business sector, and private enterprise. We are offering young people a chance to stay, to build a life here, and to believe in their homeland, Macedonia. We are also providing higher pensions. With this new linear increase, pensions have now risen by a historic Mden 7,000 over the past year or so. It may still not be enough, I know that, but it is significantly more than what was done in the past,” Mickoski noted.

“In Kichevo, we will continue to invest in new local roads, water supply systems, and sewage infrastructure, Mickoski emphasized. There will also be investment in sports, culture, and tourism. He said that support for livestock breeders and farmers from this region will be restored. New jobs will be created. There will be opportunities for the youth and security for the elderly, fair conditions for all. We are building a country that listens to its citizens, not one that manipulates them,” he stated.

Photo: screenshot